Korean War vets honored by SKorea government

Monday

Jul 28, 2014 at 12:43 PM

21 Siskiyou County residents receive Ambassador for Peace medals

By David Smith@SDNDavidSmith

MOUNT SHASTA – Veterans of the Korean War and their friends and family gathered Sunday at Mount Shasta’s city park to receive an honor from the country in which they fought over 60 years ago.South Korea’s government awarded 22 Siskiyou County veterans with the Ambassador for Peace medal, honoring their service during the three year war that cost the lives of 54,229 Americans and more than 2.2 million North and South Koreans.After gathering for a barbecue lunch, attendees listened to Sheriff Jon Lopey describe the history and various battles of the Korean War.“These are a prosperous people because of you,” Lopey said to the crowd, explaining that the efforts of America and the United Nations’ forces helped protect South Korea’s sovereignty.The event was also attended by Kim Chamberlain, who was born in Korea and escaped with her family during the war.Chamberlain – whose first husband was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars – lauded the efforts of the war veterans whom she said left their comfortable lives in America to fight to preserve the land Koreans called home.“I can never repay you for what you’ve done,” Chamberlain said. “Your sacrifice is never forgotten by the Korean people.”Twenty-one of the 22 veterans each received a medal and a certificate written in both Korean and English. The certificates read, “It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy. We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation … Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.”Lopey, noting that the Korean War is sometimes referred to as the forgotten war, said to the veterans and their families, “In Siskiyou County, it is not forgotten and never will be forgotten.”The Siskiyou veterans receiving the honor were Jim Damewood, Brice Martin, Donald Maxwell, Ernest E. Peddicord, George Workman, H.D. Sumner, Richard Ladewig, Charles Deguia, Carl Smith, John Sharples, Tom Pruett, Frank Correa, James Childre, Clarence Morgan, Stanley Winfred, Steve Farrington, Donald Haack, Judd Hanna, Walter Hudson, Henry McBroom, Donald Meek and Wayne Smith. Former Siskiyou County supervisor Bill Overman, who recently passed away, was also awarded the honor.